Saturday Morning Devotional – By Jay Sikes

Wednesday’s Enchilada Special

Is there anybody out there that makes “chillin” a part of life anymore?  I would suspect those who do are few and far between.  Everyone is crazy busy these days.  Whether fast food, automatic this or that, face plants to the internet/phone, overscheduling, work, or whatever, it seems “chillin” is a thing of the past. Sometimes it may take Wednesday’s Enchilada Special to show you the importance of rest!

.

Even “R & R” (rest and relaxation) keeps us beyond busy.  For instance, my routine for a vacation (R & R) goes something like this: 

• Hours on the internet trying to determine the best accommodations
• Hours getting everything we need together
• Driving like a maniac (producing anxiety) just to get there
• Rather than listening to Susan when she tells me to just turn my phone off, I’m getting pulled in various directions in the midst of “R & R.”
• Driving like a maniac (producing anxiety) just to get home
• Unloading and putting things up
• Finally sitting in my recliner thinking, “I need a vacation!” 

.

Sound familiar?  We rush through life trying to fit everything in while reducing our joy to anxiety.  We should be “chillin” more so we could enjoy the things that really matter.

.

A few years ago, Susan and I went through a period of time where we were coached to “dream big,” and to have “things” beyond what we ever dreamed we could have.  Unfortunately, we drank that Kool-Aid.  Yes, some good things came from it, like new cherished friendships, many money saving opportunities, some income, and the most valuable thing – a refreshed understanding that life isn’t about having things.  That’s just not who we are.  Don’t get me wrong, it is okay to have things, we just went beyond with all the “Dream Big” overkill.

.

Now our big dreams are back to where we want them – debt free, retired, and chasing our granddaughters around supporting them in whatever they do.  That’s what life is all about for us…family.  We know firsthand how fragile life can be.

.

 “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”  James 4:14

.

You see, an overloaded life is detrimental.  It causes all kinds of issues from anxiety and worry to health issues, memory issues, accidents, carelessness, anger, broken relationships, and on and on.  Busyness is a major tool of the devil.  It is subtle and can have you wrapped up before you even know it.  That’s why the Word tells us we have to put forth effort to avoid it. 

.

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

.

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” I Peter 5:8-9

.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Eph. 6:10-11

.

On the flip side, the Word tells us:

.

“Be still, and know that I am God;” Ps 46:10

.

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”  Matt. 11:28

.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters.” Ps 23:2

.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

.

We indeed live in crazy times where “chillin” is hard to do, in fact, it is a challenge.  However, the lack of rest costs us, and it is not God’s plan for us.  We must realize it, pray about it, and determine to do something about it.  Can I leave you with an example of the results of being overloaded?

.

A couple of weeks ago, as we were already trying to chase our granddaughters around as much as possible, we were heading out to Caddie’s basketball game.  Susan and I both had been on the run for several days and we were whipped.  Obviously, “chillin” wasn’t taking place.  The ballgame was a little later that evening so we decided we would not mess with cooking and just grab supper on the way.  We decided on El Fenix.  Most Mexican food restaurants have a Wednesday Enchilada Special.  However, there was no signage or anything about it, so we decided to ask the waitress.  She told us they did have a Wednesday Enchilada Special and told us what it was and the price. 

.

Susan responded, “That’s what I want.” 

.

I quickly responded, “I do too.” 

.

The waitress looked at Susan and said, “You do realize it is Thursday, don’t you?” 

.

I’ll just say we didn’t feel too bright at that moment, but we all three had a major laugh.  The waitress laughed as she walked away with our “revised” order and we laughed too as she walked away.

.

Did I say that NOT “chillin” causes memory issues?  Decide what makes you truly happy, and make that your goal.  Drop some of that other stuff and chill so you can enjoy the most important stuff.  We are going to work at it ourselves.  That’s what Jesus would have you do.

.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10

.

I would love to hear your ideas for “chillin.” Let me know in the comments what works best to give you rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

.

Quotes Regarding Rest

.

.

.

.

.

Related Post

Rachel Starr Thompson shared her thoughts on rest based on Matthew 11:28-30 Read it here at “Come Unto Me, All You Who Are Weary: Jesus Christ and the Great Invitation to Work and to Rest.”

.

Links to Recent Posts

.

How to Make My Dad’s Easy Baked Ham

A Book of Wisdom, Hope, and Love

Life Applications from the Bible – Vol. 24

.

Have a Grace & Joy-filled day!

Susan

disclosure: affiliate links are used on this page. Thank you for supporting Home with Grace and Joy. When you purchase an item, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

“When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy.” Psalms 94:19